ALTHOUGH I was unable to get to the Harriers' match on Tuesday, I understand from reports that our players were not intimidated by the huge crowd and the circumstances and gave a very good account of themselves, coming very near to scoring on several occasions.

It was disappointing that the second goal was controversial as this really put the result beyond our reach. Now I am sure the players will concentrate on the league and survival which is vital to the morale of supporters and the area.

University funding is the most controversial matter to come before the House of Commons since foundation hospitals. It appears that there is a real chance of a Government defeat.

There are strong arguments for and against top-up fees. Universities are desperate for increased funding to keep pace with better resourced universities in other countries and yet how can you face two recently married graduates with a vast debt before they can consider buying a house or starting a family?

As the only MP who has a free choice of vote without pressure from a Whip I have to decide which way to vote and I must do this on the merits of the argument.

I have already criticised the major parties for voting politically on foundation hospitals rather than on the merits of that proposal!

To me a preferable way of increasing funding for universities would be to increase the amount obtained from general taxation but the requirement is so large that the Labour and Tory parties think this is out of the question.

They ridicule the Liberal Democrats who say that a 50 per cent tax on the super-rich would produce enough money for this and other uses.

Decision time comes on January 27 and the vote may be so close that my single vote could count. Members from both major parties have already asked how I intend to vote!

The inquiry into the Wyre Forest Birth Centre has been delayed because the panellists have to be indemnified in case their decision is challenged in the future.

I understand that the panel will consist of a consultant obstetrician, a senior midwife and a lay member, all from elsewhere.

Procedure demands that consent from Parliament is necessary for the Department of Health to carry this indemnity and a document has to lie before Parliament for 14 days.

I am writing to the minister in charge, Lord Warner, to ask him to cope with this as quickly as possible as the Strategic Health Authority hopes the inquiry could start in February to report by April or May.

This will still have left our mothers-to-be without any local hospital delivery service for about nine months.

I have already passed on my questions for the inquiry to answer.